Tape looms of various sorts were used from ancient times through the early 19th century to make straps, tapes (a period term for what we’d call ribbon) and other narrow woven goods. Most traditional tape looms weave a warp-faced tape and use a rigid heddle to change the warp shed. The tapes woven on these looms ranged from very narrow tapes used for lacing to wider tapes used for straps and binding, as well as fancier edgings such as fringe.

Woven tape was used for items such as garters, apron strings, belts, ties for pillow bolsters, straps for powder horns or hunting pouches, carpet binding, trim for women’s pockets, ties for seed or grain bags, loops for hanging up towels—the list goes on and on. It was generally woven at home, but sometimes was available for sale from rural stores or from beggars.